The Washington Commanders not only secured a spot in the playoffs with their thrilling 30-24 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, but safety Jeremy Reaves also made a life-changing decision. After the victory, Reaves took a moment to propose to his longtime girlfriend, Mikaela Worley, in what can only be described as a fairytale ending to an exhilarating game.
Kneeling in victory formation, Reaves asked Worley to marry him, and she enthusiastically accepted, adding a personal milestone to the team’s success. The couple’s engagement was met with joy from teammates who quickly joined in the celebration.
Reaves, now 28, had planned the proposal but decided to wait until after the game, especially due to the intense competition that led to an overtime situation. He expressed that had the team lost, he would have postponed the proposal to ensure he could celebrate it in the right spirit. “I hate losing, so there’s no way I could have done that in the right spirit after a loss,” Reaves shared.
Having been undrafted and joining the Commanders in 2018, Reaves attributes much of his resilience to Worley, his steadfast supporter since high school. He reflected on their journey together, mentioning how she was his rock during difficult times, particularly when he dealt with injuries and setbacks. “When I was at my lowest last year, she was there to pick me up every day. She showed up. That’s my best friend,” he said.
Worley, who hails from Pensacola, Florida, played volleyball at the University of Louisiana Monroe and currently works as a physician assistant in Virginia. Their shared history dates back to high school in Milton, where their bond first formed.
Looking ahead, the Commanders are focused on their final regular-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, aiming for a strong playoff push as they seek to secure the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs. With the team’s recent performance and Reaves’ personal victory, there’s a renewed sense of optimism and excitement for both the team and the couple.
This heartwarming story showcases the powerful combination of personal triumphs and professional achievements, reminding us that amidst the high-stakes world of sports, love and partnership play a vital role in our lives.